This month YPN encourages you to:

• Recap YPN’s Networking Event at Philadelphia Media Holdings
• Attend YPN and Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Events
• Read the New Chamber Blog and Win a $20 iTunes Gift Card
• Join One of YPN’s Committees

Recap YPN’s Networking Event at Philadelphia Media Holdings

The Young Professionals Network had an impressive turnout Tuesday evening at Philadelphia Media Holdings to hear Brian Tierney and Eric Grilly speak of the recent successes of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Daily News and Philly.com. Mr. Tierney kicked off the evening with a quick overview of The Inquirer and The Daily News’ accomplishments and his own story of inspiration. Philadelphia is the fourth largest market and the Inquirer is the third oldest newspaper in the United States. It’s the only paper to have back to back years of growth in home paid subscriptions. This is impressive, considering the continuing decline of print newspaper readers with the advents of newer technologies. Mr. Tierney encouraged young professionals to “stimulate our minds” and continue reading the newspapers to gain industry intelligence and potentially generating business leads. The take away message Mr. Tierney communicated was “… Surround yourself with talent, optimism and positive influences… because anything is possible.”

Mr. Grilly, president of Philly.com closed the program by showing a promo for Philly.com, which highlighted user experiences by interviewing users right off the street. Philly.com has its own unique voice and serves as a complementary platform to the print Philadelphia Inquirer. We have a lot more to look forward to in terms of user interactivity in the future at Philly.com.

Mr. Tierney, a home grown Philadelphian and Mr. Grilly, a working professional in Philadelphia originally from Denver, Colorado, emphasized their great experiences in this region. It serves as an inspiration to young professionals that great success is achievable, by surrounding yourself with passionate and optimistic professionals.

To see more pictures, click here.

Attend YPN and Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Events

Members of the Young Professionals Network are entitled to discounts for many of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce events. The following is a list of the events with a brief description and cost. If you would like to attend, please email Jacob Rozran at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com to register. Check the Chamber’s website for more information and for updates at www.greaterphilachamber.com.

Entrepreneurialism Program

Date: 11/26/2007
YPN Member Price: Free
YPN Non-Member Price: N/A

YPN’s Members-Only Professional Development Series: Entrepreneurialism

Interested in being your own boss? What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur? Hear from Steve Grandizio, President of Friendly Mortgage and winner of the Chamber's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Excellence Award. Steve will be speaking on his successes as a business person in Greater Philadelphia along with how he built his mortgage company from the ground up.

Career Advancement Program

Date: 1/28/2008
YPN Member Price: Free
YPN Non-Member Price: N/A

A professional development program on career advancement. Speaker TBD.

Economic Outlook

Date: 1/29/2008
YPN Member Price: $45.00
YPN Non-Member Price: $55.00 - 85.00

Each January, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce partners with Sovereign Bank to forecast the region’s economic future. Program topics and sectors change annually to complement current economic issues.

Governer's Event

Date: 1/30/2008
YPN Member Price: $60.00
YPN Non-Member Price: $75.00 - $130.00

A reception with the governor of Pennsylvania.

Mayor's Luncheon

Date: 2/13/2008
YPN Member Price: $60.00
YPN Non-Member Price: $75.00 - $130.00

An annual luncheon with the mayor of Philadelphia.

Networking Event at the DiBruno Brothers

Date: 2/27/2008
YPN Member Price: Free
YPN Non-Member Price: $20.00

A monthly networking event for young professionals. Speaker TBD.

Read the Chamber Blog and Win a $20 iTunes Gift Card

All Young Professional Network members who write a comment on a post on GtrPhilaBiz within the next 30 days will be entered into a drawing to win a $20 iTunes gift card. To make sure that you get entered, either put your name on the post or use the email address in the YPN system (your email address will not be posted with the comment). The winner will be announced on November 13 at the Adventure Aquarium.

Join One of YPN’s Committees

The Young Professionals Network is still accepting applications to join its committees. Below is a description of the committees:

• Membership - Focuses on the growth and retention of YPN membership.
• On The Move (OTM) - Serves as YPN’s On the Move Team. This is an 11-week total resource campaign. The resources and revenues raised by this campaign increases total membership base, add new programs and services, enhance existing programs, and strengthen the Chamber and YPN’s commitment to the improvement of the regional business climate as Pennsylvania’s largest business organization.
• Public Relations/Marketing - Promotes YPN’s public image and coordinates message with GPCC.
• Volunteer - Coordinates YPN’s community related projects and activities.

If you are interested in any of the committees, please email your resume with a brief description of why you would like to join to Jacob Rozran at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.

Are you a new member of YPN?

Want to meet other new members and get an overview of the organization? Join YPN Board members Steve Grandizio and Stephanie Gambone this month at the Chamber for YPN New Member Orientation. Steve Grandizio is president of Friendly Mortgage, a mortgage brokerage firm with offices in Old City and West Palm Beach, Florida. After playing professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Steve returned to Philadelphia in 1996. In 2007, Steve was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 as well as being the Chair of the YPN Board. Stephanie Gambone currently serves as Director of School Support for the Philadelphia Youth Network. Stephanie, a native Philadelphian, is dedicated to supporting the economic vitality of the city. Having attended high school and college in the city, she has enjoyed the opportunity to see the city’s revitalization over the past 15 years.

The next YPN New Member Orientation will be on Monday, November 26, 2007, at 5:30PM. The orientations will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce located at 200 S. Broad Street (Broad & Walnut) on the 7th floor. Please confirm your attendance by emailing your contact information to Jacob Rozran at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.